Design Tools Overview
What are Design Tools?
Starting in Fall 2018 the Design Tools for Canvas will be available for instructors. This is integrated software that will help faculty streamline the course development process. It is strongly recommended that instructors attend a training session before attempting to use the Design Tools.
Design Tools Features
Design Tools was created in 2016 by Utah State University’s Center for Innovative Design & Instruction as a way to help instructors with course building process. Design Tools is seamless integrated with Canvas to provide instructors with additional tools for creating the design and structure of Canvas course. There are three main components of Design Tools.
- Multi-Tool – This option is a menu item that must be enabled in the course. This option has three main functions that allow instructors to create templates, build modules, and change assignment due dates.
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Rich Content Editor - The following Design Tools features are integrated in the rich content editor.
- Image Uploader – This option is added to the rich content editor and it allows instructors and students to upload and edit images in rich content editor toolbar.
- Design Tools Editor – This option appears when editing content in rich content editor and will overlay additional options in right sidebar. Instructors can use these tools to apply themes to content and check content for accessibility.
Important Notes
Please note the following limitations with Design Tools.
- In the new quiz tool the rich content editor does not have the Design Tools panel or image uploader integration
- In the Multi-Tool, you cannot create quiz templates for quizzes in the new quiz tool
Support
Release notes are posted at the beginning of every month for Design Tools.
- Design Tools Release Notes Links to an external site.
- Design Tools roadmap Links to an external site.
Each semester Design Tools training sessions are offered. You can register for these sessions in IRIS/Laker Hub. Click Employees > Staff Development > Etrain sections to sign up. Join the Faculty Commons Links to an external site. to see the sessions Links to an external site. planned. You can also request a one to one training session. Contact Information Systems and Services.
If you need help using Design Tools, please contact Information Systems and Services. You can also use the Design Tools support portal to find answers or submit a ticket.
Guides
Use the Design Tools guides linked below.
- HTML Primer
- How to Access the Design Tools Panel and Preferences
- Design Tools Multi Tool Overview
- Using the Design Tools Image Uploader
- Using the Design Tools Create and Edit Options
- Using the Design Tools Customize the Style Options
- Using the Design Tools Add Advanced Elements
- Using the Design Tools Check Accessibility
- Using the Design Tools-Canvas Starter Course Template
Video Tutorials
Below are Design Tools video tutorials. Please note some of the videos were created before the latest update so they will be a bit out of date. Before you start using Design Tools, it is important to review the accessibility guidelines. It is important that your content pages are structured using the accessibility guidelines. This makes using Design Tools much easier.